What's better than a blog run since 2004 by a Canadian Daddy blogger? A blog run by a Canadian Daddy blogger AND a Canadian Twin Mommy blogger. While we're not related, between both of our families we're raising 5 'Mini-Mes' ranging in age from 5 to 12. Like you, we're trying to find the balance between work & family while enjoying all the bits in between (and attempting to keep some semblance of sanity…..ya right!)

I watched the Toronto Mayoral debate forum, between Olivia Chow, David Soknacki and John Tory and I had an epiphany. If I ever decide to run for Toronto Mayor, I want to be just like Olivia Chow.

Are you shocked?

I’m a fiscal conservative who would prefer to find efficiencies, reduce costs, tax less, and find ways to help everyone who needs help but as we have seen here in Toronto over the past 4-years with Rob Ford as Mayor, if you dare even make mention of cutting anything, look out.

When the Mayor commented about fact that there are a lot of libraries close together – some used much more than others – and some rarely used, he was branded a Neanderthal who couldn’t read and this fiasco even resulted in author Margaret Atwood being brought into the fray with jokes that she would be a better mayor.

If you cut, you must hate. At least that is what the left will tell everyone. Public service too large? You hate unions. Want to find cheaper ways to clean TTC busses? You hate transit. Want to not pay for things on the backs of the property taxes? You’re rich and entitled.

Who wants all that crap!

I would want to be just like Olivia. She was great in the debate.

Want better transit? “Invest”.

Want to build lots of transit lines? “Invest” and “No more studies!”

Want to engage the youth? “Invest”.

Want to fight global warming? “Invest”.

Olivia has all the answers, and at times, she had a very coy smile because she knew no matter what she said, there are around 28% of the population of Toronto who are going to vote for this modern-day Santa Claus.

You want transit? You have to pay for it. All Olivia needs to do is add a 1% how dare you be rich taxto the land transfer tax for every house over $2-million. That will get me enough money to pay for whatever she wants.

Want more social programs? Sure! Once she adds that 1% “levy” (read: tax) on those nasty, horrible rich people (insert booing here) who dared to work hard and earn lots of money, and viola, there is money for social programs.

The debate, er, forum, went along like this through each and every question. Screw balancing the budget. Go away, you terrible rich folks. Whatever you want, Santa Chow is going to get it for you. Someone will pay for it, but let’s not let the details get in the way. With that 1% she’ll have enough money to have studies needed to build more transit (her words last night and yes the same studies she criticized John Tory for wanting to undertake instead of just building now!)

It makes no sense.

She makes no sense.

But honestly, when nobody is listening to the message, it’s easy to be generous with your promises and critical of others who don’t want to have to raise taxes in order to fulfill unrealistic promises. Where is the money going to come from to fulfill ALL her promises if the “rich” do not sell their houses or if they all move outside of the GTA?

My favourite exchange from the forum went something like this (paraphrased of course);

Q1: How would you get Toronto moving?”

A1: “More transit. Invest in Transit. Pay for it NOW. Get started NOW.”

Q2: “Google is trying unmanned transit in San Francisco. Would Toronto?”

A2: “Absolutely!! We need transit moving on all the lines. We’ll invest in that technology.”

Q3: “Unicorns. I think Toronto needs more unicorns. If elected Mayor, will you get us more unicorns?”

A3: “I’ll get those too! I got free dental for seniors. Subsidized metropasses for students and I love giving away stuff. I can always raise taxes on the rich. I’m progressive. Buy now, tax now. The other candidates want to pay for studies. I say forget the studies and invest in unicorns. Why wait 10-years. Get them here now!”

Toronto may not need unicorns, but if more than one-quarter of the city blindly support Olivia Chow’s platform, maybe after the 1% land transfer tax levy, they should all be next.

The Urban Daddy is Ranked on Top Blogs.ca. Please click through!!

Member of Circle of Moms

Recent inTAXicating Posts: inTAXicating

If you live in Southern Ontario, you are in the middle of a heat wave. Summer came back bigger, badder, stronger than it had all summer, and with humidex readings in the low 40’s, all the talk is about cooling off and extending the cottage season. And there is nothing wrong with it. But as […]

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that James Harvey Cameron, a former resident of Calgary, has been sentenced to 11 years in jail and fined $550,892 after defrauding investors of over $2.5 million through a deceptive investment scheme. The judge also ordered Cameron, 66, to pay restitution of $1,831,700 to his victims. If Mr. Cameron […]

Looking for information related to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Taxpayer Relief Program? It’s moved! Here is the information that matters! Link is at the bottom. Taxpayer Relief. Important note: A request for relief from penalty and / or interest amounts does not stop or suspend collection activity on an account or the accrual of interest. […]

What Do Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Floyd Mayweather have in common aside from being top atheletes in their respective sports, and extreme wealth? Tax Troubles! Ronaldo and Messi with the Spanish Tax Authroity, and Mayweather with the IRS, which just goes to show you that no matter how much money you have, or don’t have, you […]

I came across this article from the Montreal Gazette; I strongly recommend that you take the time to read it. It is brief, but very informative as it tells the story that I have been trying to tell for the past 20-plus years! There is that there is a significant percentage of, not just Quebecers, but Canadians who leaving money on the […]